Rocky Mountain Oysters Recipe August 2024
What are Rocky Mountain oysters? Also known as prairie oysters, Montana tenderloin, cowboy caviar, swinging beef, and calf fries, they are truly a western delicacy. The calf is the part of the bull’s body that is removed when young, which makes the bull more manageable, more fleshy, and less masculine in its behavior. When the calf is branded, the testicles are cut off and placed in a bucket of water. The testicles are then peeled, washed, dusted with flour and pepper, and pan-fried.
The testicles are considered a delicacy. Like other organ meats, testicles can be fried whole, cut into thin slices, or marinated. At checkpoints on the western frontier, cowboys and ranch hands tossed the meat over a hot iron stove. When the calf fries burst, the cooking was complete.
The practice of eating animal reproductive organs dates back to ancient Roman times. It was believed that eating the reproductive organs of a healthy animal might cure the corresponding human reproductive problems of the male who ate it. Because of this belief, the practice has continued to the present day, especially in Asia, where animal reproductive organs are considered an aphrodisiac.
The rugged people of the Rocky Mountain region are not fastidious. In Montana, testicle festivals are held every spring and fall. These festivals are very noisy and may not be suitable for children. If you can’t make it to the festivals, many restaurants and bars in Montana, Idaho, and Kansas serve Rocky Mountain oysters year-round.
Rocky Mountain Oysters Recipe.
Ingredients
2 pounds calf testicles*
2 cups beer
2 eggs, beaten
1 1/2 cups flour, all-purpose
1/4 cup yellow cornmeal
Salt and ground black pepper to taste
Vegetable oil**
1 tablespoon hot pepper sauce
Instructions
With a sharp knife, split the hard, leathery muscle that encases the testicles. Remove the skin (frozen testicles are easy to peel; peel while thawing). Leave the testicle whole or slice into ovals about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick.
Rocky Mount OysterPlace sliced testicles in a large saucepan, cover and let sit for 2 hours.
In a shallow bowl, combine eggs, flour, cornmeal, salt and pepper to make a wet batter.
Remove testicles from beer, drain and dredge thoroughly in wet flour dredge.
Heat oil in a large, deep saucepan to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Drain on paper towels.
Serve warm with spicy cod roe of your choice.
